Ethylene is a simple gaseous plant growth regulator with diverse physiological roles. Which of the following is NOT a physiological effect attributed to ethylene?

Step-by-step solution

Ethylene is a highly effective plant growth regulator that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It breaks seed and bud dormancy, initiates germination in peanut seeds, and causes sprouting of potato tubers. It promotes rapid internode or petiole elongation in deep water rice plants, helping leaves or upper parts of the shoot to remain above water. It also promotes root growth and root hair formation, thereby increasing the absorption surface of the plant. However, overcoming apical dominance is